If you read music publications you'll often find cover stories or in-depth exclusive interviews on how a band, or a singer, has had to overcome adversity and face personal demons...but it's fair to say that few have probably had the past couple of years that BAM MARGERA has. Last time round, it was clear for all to see that, things weren't quite right. His debut band, FUCKFACE UNSTOPPABLE was a touring mess, Bam himself was a mess, drinking heavily, he let himself go and it's understandable. He lost his best friend, Ryan Dunn in that horrific car crash, his first marriage had broken down, his Uncle, Don Vito had gone through a lot of legal difficulty before sadly passing away in October 2015...there's no wonder he hit the bottle. Hard. FFU was almost both a distraction and an excuse...he was on the road with Novak, Rubbish Heap...it was a non-stop party...on the surface at least. Deep down Bam was hurting and slowly killing himself, not in the trademark entertaining JACKASS way, no...really on the verge of self-destruct. Enter April Margera...Bam's long suffering mother...bless her heart April had seen enough to know her son needed help, serious help...and so together, they got Bam into therapy and rehabilitation and as a result of a long, difficult sometimes painful process...he's back with a new sense of belonging, a new found sense of self-worth and a brand new band...let me introduce to you THE EVESDROPPERS. This was the real release Bam needed...let's drop in...

We open up with "Dance With The Devil" and it's clear from the very start that, this self-titled album is a far cry from FFU...gone are the comedic undertones, the songs about moonshine and bending dicks; this is some serious rock. With a mixture of vocal approaches ranging from THE 69 EYES inspired deep baritone to sinister CRADLE OF FILTH inspired whispers, with additional melodic gang vocals, coupled with some genuinely meaty riffs and synth elements...this sounds like a proper band and it's superb.

This is proven further on tracks such as "Red Hot Panic Switch", which gradually builds into a really catchy piece of up-tempo rock, a legit foot-tapper of a track, not to mention album highlight "Empty Vessel"...a deep, riff-fuelled, angst-ridden almost hypnotic piece of brilliance. Bam and co are simply on another level this time round, the writing is better, musically and lyrically...they've taken this project seriously and its evident from start to finish. That's not all there is to this current set up mind you...fuck no...the tender moments are just as good and show not only a diversity in influence but a maturity in the approach to recording this album too. "Icelandic Murder Ballad" featuring GRETA KAREN is a beautifully soothing piece of music with acoustic guitars and flowing string segments, while "Gods Ocean" featuring ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ from ARCH ENEMY, despite expectation, is a wonderfully morose affair that could easily of befit any LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE record.

The cameos don't stop there either, as former HIM sticks-man GAS LIPSTICK lends his drumming to closing track "Love Is Dead" and at seven minutes long, with it's raw, slightly garage-rock vibe it gives off a feeling of realism and vulnerability, a far cry from Bam's famously invincible, boyish and reckless approach to life...and this is why the album shines. With the tracks mentioned, plus other cuts like "9 Lives" and "My Old Mind"...it's clear that the process of writing and recording, venting, channelling his pain...it's been cathartic for him and it's resulted in a very real, very honest album. Musically it's backed by some incredibly talented artists, including CKY guitarist CHAD I GINSBERG, of course there's his brother Jess on drums, there's former HANOI ROCKS guitarist ANDY MCCOY, there's Greta Hotmer from THE MOXY...he's got great support and naturally, it's resulted in a great record. Bam's come a long way, not just making The Evesdroppers, but in life...he's turned over a new leaf and turned all of the pain, anger and frustration into something both positive and encouraging. Thank you Bam and really...well done, we're proud of you. [8]

If "the writing is better, musically and lyrically" on "Empty Vessel", it's mostly because it's a cover from Anathema's "Empty" released in 1998.

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Gavin J Griffiths, a.k.a GavTheGothicChav, lover of new music and supporter of bands. Inspired by a mixture of horror and comedy, and fueled by a blend of alcohol and sarcasm...if you're a singer / in a band and would like a review written up, please do get in touch via the email address at the top of the page and I'll get back to you ASAP. Much love x